(Image Source: ICC)
[Saba Sports News] Zimbabwe’s cricket team, in preparation for their home series against Ireland, has overhauled their T20I squad following their unsuccessful bid in the T20 World Cup qualifiers. Key players such as Tendai Chatara, Wellington Mazakadza, Innocent Kaia, and Nick Welch were dropped.
Leg spinner Brandon Mavuta and Tony Munyonga are back in the team, joined by newcomers Brian Bennett, a 20-year-old promising batsman from Mountaineers, and 25-year-old fast bowler Trevor Gwandu.
Sikandar Raza remains the captain, and the squad is bolstered by the return of experienced batsman Craig Ervine after his injury absence. The three-match series against Ireland begins on December 7 at Harare Sports Club, with subsequent games on December 9 and 10.
Zimbabwe’s cricket has faced continuous challenges in international tournaments. They missed the 2019 and 2023 ODI World Cups and were suspended by the ICC in 2021, affecting their T20 World Cup participation. In the 2022 T20 World Cup, they finished last in their group, failing to advance to the 2024 edition. Their absence from the 2023 ODI World Cup also rules them out of the 2025 Champions Trophy.